Queensland floods - and the difference between politicians.

[Matilda]

Julia Gillard yesterday visited an evacuation centre in Queensland - wearing a suit! Hair immaculately done, makeup perfect. As she droned on about Australians all pulling together, it was hard to escape the thought that she really didn't get it. She displayed about as much concern and compassion as G.W. Bush after Katrina. She was not "one of us".

Meanwhile, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh wept as she spoke about the devastation - wearing just an open-necked shirt, little makeup and eyes with dark circles under them. She understands, and she cares.

And there was Kevin Rudd in his electorate of Griffith, trousers rolled up and wading through floodwaters to his knees, helping residents move out some of their stuff to safety. Heaven forbid Julia would get her feet wet!

It's very interesting to observe politicians in a time of adversity. For Julia Gillard, this is a political opportunity. For Anna Bligh and Kevin Rudd, this is real life.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/01/12/3111660.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/01/13/3112068.htm

[Desertrose]

1. Nice to know that there ARE some politicians that care.

Sounds like terrible times down under in Queensland. I'm so sorry.....I hope people can get the help they need....

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Correct... during the Veracruz Floods

this is the President of Mexico.



I might not like him, but contrast with this...



or this one



Even if the last one has good valid security reasons...

But images matter.

[Cleita]

3. And this happened right after Katrina

:sarcasm:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/07/3005302.htm
<snip>

Mr Key also announced an aid package for businesses.

The scheme, which is likely to cost $75 million, will subsidise the wages of workers in small businesses for the next month.

The money will be paid directly to employers and will cover the first $300 of one week's wages.

He is expecting employers to cover the rest of an employee's wage.

Public health issues

Around 800 homeless people are being housed at a raceway in Christchurch.

Mr Turner says there is a number of public health issues, including food contamination.

"Obviously because of this number and all being together, and all going in after each other, there's a huge opportunity for disease to spread and we've got to do our part to make sure it doesn't happen," he said.

Mr Turner says there are also quarantine areas for gastroenteritis.

<snip>